Breaking down the fantasy football profile of Washington Football Team rookie linebacker Jamin Davis.
With the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, WFT selected LB Jamin Davis out of Kentucky. But at one point, Davis was so unknown that his age was even difficult to find to the casual observer. As we got closer to the draft however, Davis flew up the rankings. He went from a borderline Day 2 selection to a 1st-round pick, landing in an excellent location under head coach Ron Rivera. Let’s break down his fit and what it means for his fantasy football future.
Overview
Jamin Davis is 6’4, 234lbs of pure hustle and posted a blazing 4.48 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. Davis has always been an excellent athlete, and it was on display whenever he was on the field for Kentucky. He’s shown a tremendous motor, pursuit, incredible instinct, and a natural coverage ability despite limited reps. Once Davis has his hands on you, you’re going down.
There were some questionable times he was taken off the field for Kentucky; but given the pace that he plays football at, it was probably rest related.
The WFT selects Kentucky LB Jamin Davis with the No. 19 pick in the #NFLDraft 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TJcT4JjN3D
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 30, 2021
Fit with Washington
Davis comes into Washington learning under head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Rivera was a former linebacker and coached great players such as Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Shawne Merriman, Thomas Davis, and Luke Kuechly. Del Rio was also a linebacker himself, and of course is known for being the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders.
If there’s one person who can get the most out of Davis, it would be Riverboat Ron.
Surrounding Davis in Washington is a defense full of young, stud players. He’ll have Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat in front of him. Cole Holcomb will play opposite of Davis, while he learns alongside mike linebacker, veteran Jon Bostic. In terms of the front seven, Davis was the missing piece to the puzzle. Having elite talent around him should allow his job to be easier while simultaneously putting him in excellent positions for success.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Since Davis is on a loaded defense, it may stunt his initial fantasy football production. While this may concern fantasy football owners, it’s an unnecessary one. Davis is projected to be the weakside linebacker in 2021, but it’s clear he will eventually replace Jon Bostic.
In terms of production, it’s hopeful he’ll surpass the 2020 numbers of Kevin Pierre-Louis, who Davis will be replacing. Pierre-Louis was LB82 on the season, but there’s reason to believe that Davis can do better. NFL players (and defensive ones especially), don’t get drafted in the first round to sit. They get drafted to play.
Jamin Davis looks to become a key member of Washington’s defensive unit that’s on the rise – full of young, elite talent. In due time he will become a reliable IDP option going forward. He has the ceiling of someone like Luke Kuechly, though his floor could be an area of concern. I don’t think there’s much to worry about though given Davis’ work ethic and the staff coaching him. Davis should be a 100 tackle, multiple sack player for many years with Washington.
2021 Prediction: 72 tackles, 8 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT
